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Christianity Today, February (Web-only), 2008 |

Super Tuesday Results Show Split Between Evangelicals and Their Spokesmen

Dobson's anti-McCain e-mail doesn't seem to have made a difference.

Collin Hansen with reporting by Sarah Pulliam | posted 2/06/2008 10:08AM

A nationwide Super Tuesday primary may have tightened Sen. John McCain's hold on the Republican presidential nomination. But his candidacy has already exposed divides between evangelical voters and their ...

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Rev. Godson

Posted: February 15, 2008 1:20 AM

Yes, it is a pity that Huck was not brought to prominence in time by the evangelical leaders. However, If evangelicals want to make plan for the future it is better to broker with McCain to make Huck the VP now as Huck guns for the next election with the popularity he will get now. Exposure for presidency should come gradually. Wisdom today in supporting McCain will earn us success tomorrow, Moreso the coalition of the two candidates will build support system for McCain where he is deficient. Godson.

Marge

Posted: February 13, 2008 8:03 PM


It is sad but true relating to above article. I certainly would prefer a leader with character and integrity than a charismatic personality. Dr. Dobson is a great leader in my opinion but he certainly isn't PERFECT and should reconsider his choices.

Rachel

Posted: February 13, 2008 8:47 AM

This is not about if we are going to pray for whe ever becomes President. This is about who we say should be President. If the left gets us to vote for a msn like McCain... a man that cheated on his wife and then left she for the women who is now married to; a man who well not even say he belives in God just a high being (listen to his faith statement on his website; a man who believes that it is ok to kill a baby if its father raped its mother (by the way, he does not even believe that the women should have to be tested for rape. So, anyone could just go in and say they were raped. Since when do we kill children for the sins of their fathers.) a man that graduated the bottom of his class. This is not the man we want for President. What does that say to our children if we elect someone like that? And if we give in on this thing, we will never get them back. We have to take a stand and be willing to lose the battle to will the war.

DMarshall

Posted: February 12, 2008 5:23 PM

I like Dobson, but McCain will make an excellent president, whatever he thinks. McCain is a cheap-skate with spending, he's pro-life, he's honest, and he swears like a president ought to. He also knows something about the rest of the world. It is indeed rather arrogant of Dobson to think that because we like his advice about how to raise children, and agree with his horror at abortion (and McCain gets a "zero" rating from Planned Parenthood!), we'll follow his every little whim on politics. Huckabee would make a good VP, but most real Huckabee supporters I've talked with have nothing against McCain.

Guy Neddo

Posted: February 11, 2008 3:13 PM


I agree with Cromartie ! Dobson is a great man , but this time, a POOR LEADER for Christians! I will certainly vote come Nov. and if Mc Cain is the man running for the GOP--he gets my vote. Of course, were he to choose Huckabee as VP, that would be even better! No one is perfect this side of Heaven. come on Mr Dobson--get a life !

mike	Posted: February 11, 2008 11:46 AM

Here is what one Evangelical feels about endorsements from Evnangelical leaders. Instead, evangelicals are stuck with Huck, who’s got less than a third of John McCain’s delegates and who needs more delegates than are currently available to close the gap and take the nomination. So instead of Romney, who opposes federally funded embryonic stem cell research and supports a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, socially conservative evangelicals will now have to endure McCain—who supports federally-funded stem cell research and opposes a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage—as the GOP nominee. French grew so distraught about the failure of evangelicals leaders to discuss how to handle a Mormon candidate that she called Focus on the Family’s 800-number last year to request that the group’s founder, James Dobson, step up to the plate. But Dobson refused. He did publicly hint that he liked both Romney and Huckabee—and said he loathed McCain in no uncertain terms—but

Jim Strong

Posted: February 11, 2008 11:42 AM


Article addresses "their spokesmen," (ie, plural) but only references James Dobson. I think it's also instructive that Pat Robertson, another high-profile "spokesman," was unable to sway Evangelicals to back Rudy Giuliani.

Kenneth Macari

Posted: February 10, 2008 1:08 PM

James Dobson has become the best propaganda tool on behalf of Hillary Rodham Clinton! He. along with Chuck Colson and others, will have to live with their complicity in the worst presidential regime in any of our lifetimes. A war based on deliberate duplicity, the justification of torture and violation of the most basic human rights of prisoners is unconscionable. The so-called "pro-life" movement is generally insensitive to the growing gap between rich and poor in America as well as persecution of immigrants, many of whom are professing Christians. God's judgment on thes evangelical politicos will be very heavy indeed! Kenneth Macari

Bill	Posted: February 09, 2008 3:55 PM

I think that James Dobson is going a bit off his rocker politically. He is a great man of God when it comes to the family but whenever he ventures into politics, especially lately, he seems to be going in the wrong direction. Why endorse at all at this point? He never endorsed before in the primaries. His endorsement for Huckabee should have come in December when it would have mattered. It was rumored that a Huckabee endorsement was imminent then. I am for McCain. I think that evangelicals and conservatives have gotten too uptight about their positions and demanding ideological purity that even Reagan couldn't meet today.

John Neilson

Posted: February 08, 2008 8:53 PM

Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it for in the day that thou eatest therefore thou shalt surely die. Isa 5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil that put darkness for light and light for darkness that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Rom 12:2 and not be fashioned according to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind and ye may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God. If your life is shaped by mans thoughts and ideas you are in trouble. Do your best to discern who God would have you vote for or not vote for and then fall on your knees and pray for our leaders. Where in scripture does it tell us to vote it tells us to prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God. Psa 119:105 thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. Its time we wake up and stop compromising the truths and values we are taught from Gods Word and believe with all our heart and soul.

Shannon

Posted: February 08, 2008 5:13 PM

Jesus said "you shall know them by their fruit". Well, let's take a good look at evangelical fruit, shall we? One war started on a foundation of lies costing thousands of American and Iraqi lives. Another war failing because your troops are too busy making the world safe for Exxon. A mountain of new debt to be passed on to your children, an economy heading back onto the rocks without ever actually getting off of them, and a mountain of corporate and political scandals that make Monica Lewinsky look like..well, a b.j. in the White House. Oh, but it's worth it if gays can't get married, right? And don't give me that b.s. about it not being your fault. THe vast majority of evangelicals still voted Republican in 2004, despite the mess they'd made out of things in the last four years. This fruit is all yours, and it's pretty sour. You hypocrites might want to look up what Jesus said about gnats and camels.

Laura

Posted: February 08, 2008 3:51 PM

Though James Dobson still deserves our respect as an insightful Christian leader and humanitarian, conscientious Christians must NOT follow his example in the 2008 presidential election: to do so would be irresponsible and, frankly, more than a little petty. Regardless of how we feel about John McCain (and I hope the large majority of us base our feelings on fact rather than pundit-authored fiction), we have an ethical, if not moral, responsibility to back our Republican nominee with a vote in November. Consider this. James Dobson and others like him encourage Christians to support our electoral system, to become involved for the sake of our American values. But the minute a candidate appears who MAY not entirely fit into the conservative box, they cry foul and withdraw their support from the only candidate we have to keep Obama or Clinton out of the White House. Does this make sense? Is anyone else bothered by this? If so, think for yourself and vote!

John	Posted: February 08, 2008 3:49 PM

I really don't understand how a alleged man of God can say that he won't vote based upon one or the other candidates stand on one issue, an issue not even mentioned in the Bible. Conversely, it says hundreds of times that we should feed and clothe the poor, cure the sick, and that peacemakers shall be blessed, all ideals that Bush/Limbaugh/Romney et al. reject out of hand. It has always confused my why, as Christians have moved more and more into the Republican Party, it has moved more and more from the message of the Bible. I hardly think Jesus cares about a capital gains tax cut, or would be a big fan of Gitmo or water-boarding. While there is a libertine part of the Democratic party that is distateful, measured as a whole, clearly Obama or Clinton would do more in line with the teachings of the Bible than any current Repub, but McCain is probably the best of a bad lot.

Scott McCarty, missionary

Posted: February 08, 2008 10:48 AM

Though living and serving the Lord in France, I have been keeping up with the goings' on in the States. It is incredible that so many calling themselves evangelical Christians are getting so worked up over who is the best candidate for them and for the USA. That logically means that they know from God's viewpoint who should be elected !! Then, why are God's children squabbling among themselves ? The American converted need to spend their time evangelizing and supporting mission work overseas instead of playing political-God. I am ashamed of American evangelicals who support any candidate with time and money, when they need to repent and get back to Matthew 28:18-20 & Acts 1:8. The game is the Kingdom of God and not American political candidates---Laodicea !!! From a Biblical missionary point of view, George W. is the worst President the USA has ever had !! And the Amer. evangelical put him there!! At the Judgment Seat of Christ, will your political choices be important.

Ricardo

Posted: February 08, 2008 10:23 AM

So many evangeicals are quick to view only the evil of Democrats rather than keep an open mind to all parties and the actual candidate. READ Obama's speech at the Ebenezer Baptist Church on MLK day and you will understand his positions much better, which is what sold me. He is a moral and just man who advocates for the poor, veterans, and the needy, understanding the need to work with others rather than stripping benefits as GWB has done, and this from a man who advocates supporting the troops while snatching the red carpet from under them upon their return as veteran soldiers. Which is why many Americans fear a true Evangelical leader who can lead flocks like sheep rather than have them think for themselves. Signs of an antichrist. As St. Augustine says, "faith through understanding". You can not vote if you want to, but don't come complaining when public policy goes sour yet again. Same people who probably wouldn’t have spoke out against slavery, like the old Southern Baptists.

Kathy

Posted: February 08, 2008 9:18 AM


Who the heck does James Dobson think he is? I'm glad to see evangelicals not blindly following any one "leader."

Roy Riley

Posted: February 08, 2008 4:53 AM

As a Christian anytime I vote for whatever office I must do it Biblically. We are held to a higher standard, because of who we serve. As I read my Bible and ask myself who is the best candidate running. I can not let my feelings enter into my decision. God has given us an honor to place in office of this nation (a Christian nation) by voting. I did not read Dr. Dodson e-mail. I am also not sure about this, but there is a place for write-in candidates, we must vote! God is watching us and during this test will see if we will stand tall and vote Biblically or what will benefit us. It is not about us, it all about God. Please encourage everyone to vote, I encourage my folk to pray, take there Bibles, and all the information I can give on all the candidates, and ask God to guide. God bless America, and forgive her sins.

JC	Posted: February 08, 2008 1:40 AM


Dr. Dobson is a man of courage and conviction. It's better to obey God and have a clear conscience than to worry about the criticisms of man, who will turn to dust at the end of one's life on earth. God will hold each one of us accountable for how we vote, whether for good or for ill. At that time, one won't be so easily looking to bash Dr. Dobson; one will looking to the Maker for grace & mercy.

Jim	Posted: February 07, 2008 10:16 PM

Although I am less than excited about the presidential choices we will likely have on election day, I think any American Christian who at this point in time intends to withold their vote for president is seriously jumping the gun. You have until November to pray and seek God's will concerning the election. God orders things and it would be a good idea to see where you fit in before making up your mind. As for what James Dobson intends to do, I also quit caring years ago. I will make my own choice according to what I ascertain as God's will for me.

mdv	Posted: February 07, 2008 8:51 PM

You people don't get it. You sound like Rush Limbaugh. God honors righteousness, not polls. Citing the Ethics and Public Policy Center as your authority to prove evangelicals don't listen to the leaders is ludicrous. The EPPC is ecumneical and interreligious - not Christian. Chance, luck, popularity, these are not values in God's economy. Cultural Christians are not Biblical Christians. They're more concerned with trying to live life on their own terms and less concerned about walking in the Spirit. Take what little comfort you can in knowing that there are a lot of you, as according to your article, many have apparently failed to see the wisdom of Dr. Dobson's position. If the choices come down to Obama, Clinton, or McCain, I won't vote either...and it won't be because Dr. Dobson said so, it will be because I will not compromise my walk with Christ for political expediency. Gal 6:7

Ted	Posted: February 07, 2008 6:34 PM


It is time for Christians to stand up for what is right! There is no way I can vote for any of the top 3 frontrunners at this point. How about Ron Paul? He is very pro-family and pro-life. He is my choice and Mitt should have stayed in the race! I hope that God blesses our nation with a true leader at a time when we really need one! How about Ron Paul?

Spongebob Squarepants

Posted: February 07, 2008 4:40 PM


Who said Dobson speaks for evangelicals? Anyone who states that Democrats are haters of God's children and attacks childrens cartoon characters for holding hands is practicing something other than Jesus. I'll look to Warren, Hybels, Ortberg, Lucado and others for my earthly leadership.

Darrell

Posted: February 07, 2008 2:44 PM

My concern is that there seems to be a trend where evangelicals believe that government is the source of "compassion" which, here, is a marketing term for forced redistribution of wealth. Passing laws to claim the property of one under threat of force to hand to another is not compassion. It is not the government's job to show "compassion," that is the role of the church. And Obama touts "hope" without explaining what that hope is, what it means, or what it costs. Judging from his record, his idea of hope is socialism. He's done nothing during his tenure in Congress to show that he attempts to find middle ground between the Left and Right. We have too many examples that show that when those on the Left call for unity or "coming together," it simply means abandoning the Right or conservatism altogether.

Lynwood F. Mundy

Posted: February 07, 2008 2:41 PM


When the church leaders preach Jesus and evangelize to the lost, then there is no time for politics. It is all that we minister's of God can do to teach, preach and visit the sich. Let politicians be politicians, and let people of God due and think on Godly things.

Dale	Posted: February 07, 2008 1:23 PM


I think Dobson's ego is a little out of hand. He must think he can affect the nomination process by his statement on the candidates and his decision not to vote. I believe he was telling other people to vote for the lesser of evils when a candidate doesn't completely fit your criteria.

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